Business, general

Microsoft attacks Intel executive as biased

Article Abstract:

Microsoft, in its antitrust trial defense, depicted Intel Vice Pres Steven McGeady as an outsider attempting to undermine Microsoft. Steve Holley, a Microsoft attorney, suggested during cross-examination that McGeady contradicted the testimony of other Intel executives on the complex relationship between Intel and Microsoft. The government attempted to strengthen McGeady's credibility by presenting E-mail and other documents. McGeady's three-day testimony has portrayed Intel as a genuine partner of Microsoft rather than a complaining rival, which apparently has helped the government in the case. Some Intel executives have expressed an ambivalence about the profitable relationship, saying Microsoft has employed intimidating tactics to thwart Intel from entering the software market and other markets. A large portion of the trial on Nov 12, 1998, centered on Intel's decision to halt development of its Native Signal Processing (NSP) technology.

Short-circuited: accord lets Intel avoid trial and a beating such as Microsoft is taking; FTC settlement would bar firm from cutting off clients in business feuds; dodging a 'monopolist' label

Article Abstract:

The world's largest chip maker, Intel Corp., won't concede to being a monopoly, but it does concede that it can strong-arm customers and rivals. Evidence of that concession is its settlement with the government the night before its trial was to begin. Details of the compromise with the FTC will not be known for several weeks.